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“Lyria of Lagalos”

“Martian?” He laughs “Well, then I’m relieved they didn’t ask how the devil I knew you Martian Ha That’s a rip Could have undone it all” He rubs out his burner and gets to his feet, about to leave

“Why’d you help ain

“You look like sohColor piss Flexing muscles, as if they haven’t already had their run You have a lovely day now, Lyria of Lagalos Mind your tongue when talking with tinpots That Stefano was a nice one Most are all twitchy as flies these days with all the terrorists and Vox firestarters”

He walks off

“Wait!”

He stops “Yes?”

“I owe you,” I say, reaching for my billfold “You mind me, I mind you That’s how it’s done”

“You want to pay me?” He’s offended “Heavens no Don’t cheapen the serendipity, love” He pauses as people pass between us He see His hand rests on his sternu under his shirt “Well, da How long have you resided in our fair city?”

“It’s my first day”

He coos “You poor little rabbit”

“I’m not a rabbit,” I snap

He laughs “True Your teeth are er So, day one And what have you seen?” He snatches my brochure when I hold it up “Piteous child You’ll stand in line all day Well, just so happens I need to walk It’s for the knee, you see Old wound How about you thankme an ear so I don’t have to talk to myself the entire time It’s an even trade, I think”

I hesitate

“I promise you a splendid day of revelry and fraternity”